DeWalt v Porter-Cable

[kicks07]

Hello everyone and thanks in advance for the general advice.

I'm an average power-tool user. I do little home projects and I don't work with tools every day, however, I'm sick of borrowing tools and not having them on hand when I need them. I've been preparing to make a purchase and with the holiday weekend in swing I figured it would be time to seek out some good deals. (I also have 15% off to Home Depot and Discover card is running a home improvement cash-back bonus this quarter).

The two deals I'm looking at are from Home Depot and Lowes. Home depot has a deal on a 20 volt cordless combo kit:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-2...-Cordless-Combo-Kit-5-Tool-DCK520D2/206510145
All the tools except the flashlight are pretty much what I am looking for. Couple of drills, a reciprocating saw, and a circular saw for $299 from DeWalt which is a generally well known brand.

Then I looked over at Lowes and saw the Porter-Cable 8 tool set for nearly the same price.
http://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABL...on-Cordless-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-Case/50247125
Lots of the same tools with some welcomed editions (especially a grinder).

With so many tools and brands out there it's tough for me to make a decision on which ones I should go with. Should I stick with DeWalt? Is an 8 piece for such a low price too good to be true? Are there other better deals or maybe I should try to find corded devices for a little less?

What are your opinions on these two sets one over the other or should I just keep looking.

Thanks again!
-Rick

 

[theoldwizard1]

Both companies are owned by Stanley Black and Decker, so it would not surprise me if they were identical inside !

Porter Cable was late to the cordless game. Stanley B&D might have brought it out so that Lowes could have something to compete with against Home Depot. Bothe are LI-ion and neither are brushless (not an issue for a DIYer) so they are on the same playing field.

I would be very tempted to go with the Porter Cable kit, unless you think that the extra tools are not going to be useful to you.

 

[Farmall450]

The Porter Cable set is enticing. I doubt you need Dewalt for your infrequent use! Although they probably have more tools in that platform/support down the road.

 

[jallyn]

Looks like the DeWalt is a bit more powerful and heavier duty. If you plan on using these for lighter duty mainly the Porter Cable wins out with more tools.

...Disclaimer: I am a DeWalt user...

 

[M4A1Carbine]

I would go with the Dewalt kit, especially if you planned to buy more cordless tools in the future, but I am a fan of yellow power tools. The DCD780 and DCF885 are both nice and that kit is a good value. If you wanted an angle grinder you can get a more powerful corded Porter Cable for $30-$40 on amazon or at lowes.

 

[Loscaldazar]

The porter cable tools (20V) are generally the same/similar to the DeWalt just with a less powerful motor in them. They're great, especially when you get them on sale.

However, the Dewalt line is way more expansive and has way more tools. If you think you'll want more cordless tools, get DeWalt.

I paid $200 for my PC Drill and Impact driver with 2 fast chargers and 4 batteries. Great tools for that price, but I kind of wish I just went with Milwaukee to begin with... a lot more tools I could of had.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd go with DeWalt, myself. And if money's tight you can buy corded tools for the grinder and multi-tool. Multi-tools are useful once you have one and use it.

But as an occasional user, the PC would be fine too.